Belarusian NOC seeks to expand cooperation of Russia’s Yakutia
MINSK, 26 June (BelTA) — On the eve of the opening ceremony of the 8th Children of Asia International Sports Games, President of the Belarusian NOC Viktor Lukashenko met with head of Yakutia Aisen Nikolayev, BelTA learned from the NOC press service.
The parties discussed the prospects for developing cooperation in sport, culture and economy between Belarus and Yakutia of Russia. Aisen Nikolayev stressed that Yakutia has established strong ties with Belarus. Belarusian equipment is very popular with local enterprises. In response, the president of the NOC invited the head of Yakutia to visit Belarus in order to consider other issues to boost bilateral cooperation.
«We need to expand cooperation with your region. This applies not only to sport but also to economy,» Viktor Lukashenko said. «I would like to take this opportunity and thank you for the hospitality that we have received at the Children of Asia Games. It is very pleasant to be here, we feel at home. For our team, for our children and youth, the upcoming event is very important. For the guys, these are the first steps in big sport.»
«I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Belarusian people for finding the opportunity to come and support the tournament, despite all the circumstances,» Aisen Nikolaev said. «Since the founding of the Children of Asia Games, we have been trying to ensure that they are held in the spirit of Olympism, fair play, in an atmosphere of friendship. The Belarusian team at the Games is very representative. I am sure we will see your athletes on the highest step of the podium.»
The Belarusian delegation arrived in Yakutsk on 25 June. It consists of more than 140 young athletes who will compete in 12 sports. The 8th Children of Asia Summer International Sports Games will be running until 7 July.
